How to Transplant an Old Wisteria & Grapevine

Cut down the grape and wisteria vine, leaving only 3 or 4 feet of the main trunk. Make the final cut in the main trunk of the vine at a 45-degree angle.

Dig a trench with a spade shovel in a 2-foot radius around the base of the trunk. Remove all the soil around each root that passes through the trench to avoid dulling your cutting tool, then cut each root. Grapes and wisteria are shallow-rooted, so the trench needs to be only about 6 to 8 inches deep.

Loosen the remaining soil between the trench and the trunk of the vine. Remove all the soil from the trunk, being careful not to damage the larger roots.

Dig into the soil under the main lateral roots once they have been exposed to free any roots that may be growing downward. The goal is to transplant a root mass approximately 4 feet in diameter and 1 foot deep. Any roots that anchor the vine in the soil below 1 foot can be cut to free the vine.

Spread a tarp or sheet or burlap under the excavated roots and use it to move the vine to the location where it is to be replanted. Depending on the size of the vine, this may require up to four people -- one to lift each corner of the tarp. The vines should be transplanted immediately.

Dig a hole just big enough to fit all the roots. Bury the root mass so the topmost roots are just an inch or so below the soil surface. Incorporate 10 or 12 shovels of compost into the planting hole as the soil is being replaced. Push soil into all the little nooks in the root mass so there is no air remaining around any of the roots. Tamp the soil firmly and water thoroughly.

Apply 3 or 4 inches of mulch over the root zone to keep the the roots cool and conserve moisture during the coming growing season. It will be two or three years before wisteria and grapes begin to flower and fruit again after being transplanted in this way.